ABOUT

Ramsgate Arts Barge Community Interest Company are a ‘not-for-profit’ social enterprise organisation, aiming to repair, renovate and convert a 133-year old, 50-metre Dutch barge into the Ramsgate Arts Barge.

The former cargo vessel Vriendschap (Dutch for friendship) is due to undergo extensive works to become an accessible, family & LGBTQIA+ friendly, arts & cultural community space, permanently moored in the heart of Ramsgate Harbour.

The Ramsgate Arts Barge will comprise a community art studio, an exhibition, event & performance space, restaurant & bar and top-deck biodiversity supporting seated garden, with views overlooking Ramsgate Marina.

Once operational, profits from the project will be used to provide FREE art classes, workshops and courses for children and young adults 2-18 years of age living within the Thanet District.

PROJECT AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Successfully deliver the social impact programme (FREE art classes, workshops & courses for children).

Form educational and learning partnerships and programmes with schools & colleges across the Thanet District.

Provide complimentary space hire to schools, colleges, charities & not-for-profit organisations operating within Thanet.

Create an accessible, family & LGBTQIA+ friendly inclusive community space.

Increase community cohesion & togetherness via community led events, debates, talks and seasonal markets.

Attract internationally established artists in their field, putting Ramsgate on the map as a ‘must-visit’ destination for the arts.

Support, champion & promote local artists via art exhibitions, events & performances.

Create NEW jobs in the Thanet District.

Provide access to and open up Ramsgate Harbour for the whole Thanet District community.

Create a year-round visitor attraction & tourism to Ramsgate to stimulate and boost the local economy.

PROJECT HISTORY

The Ramsgate Arts Barge project was launched on 20th March 2020…just 72 hours before the UK’s first Covid-19 lockdown.

Despite huge set backs and difficulties (with no core government funding) Ramsgate Arts Barge CIC pursued with the project and have achieved the below milestones (to date):

RIBA Chartered Architect Feasibility Study created.

Full Planning Application approval by Thanet District Council.

Premises Licence Application approval by Thanet District Council.

Grant funding & support to date from;

Kent County Council

Ramsgate Town Council

Social Investment Business

WSX Enterprise

South East Creative, Cultural & Digital Support

Arnold Clark Community Fund

Independent fundraising to cover all ongoing overheads (mooring fees & insurance) and all project costs via; crowdfunding, art auctions, founding memberships, fundraising events, grant income & philanthropic donations.

100+ community volunteer team registered to take part in the project.

SUPPORT

Our Winter 2023 Fundraiser is now live!

Please consider supporting our fundraising campaign to help complete the first phase of capital works (hull repair) to help bring the Ramsgate Arts Barge to life!

ABOUT

PROJECT AIMS & OBJECTIVES

PROJECT HISTORY

SUPPORT

With thanks to previous grant funding & support from...

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